Digital Optimisation Lead, Water UK | Hybrid

AECO; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Digital Optimisation Lead to drive digital delivery and advisory across England & Wales, aligning with the Water business line. The role sits at the crossroad of hands-on digital work and client-facing consultancy, shaping strategy and delivering measurable outcomes.

The successful candidate will lead multiple programmes, champion AI, data science and data governance, and collaborate with regional teams to identify opportunities and bid on digital-led projects, with hybrid

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or related discipline.
• Strong experience in a digital, data, or technology-focused role within the infrastructure or water sector.
• Proven track record of leading digital delivery across multiple programmes within complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Experience working with UK water sector clients and regulated industry frameworks.
• Strong data skills, including data governance, platforms such as Power BI and Azure, with scripting (e.g. Python) preferred.
• Ability to translate digital strategy into owned, deliverable workplans with measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital delivery across multiple projects and frameworks in England & Wales, acting as the digital lead and ensuring teams are equipped with the right tools, methods and capabilities to deliver
• Develop and implement digital optimisation strategies in collaboration withthe core digital team, translating strategy into owned, deliverable workplans
• Advise clients on digital transformation approaches, including data governance frameworks, operating models, platform adoption and roadmap development
• Engage with Client Account Managers across England & Wales to identify digital opportunities, support client relationships, and define delivery requirements that align with client needs and AECOM's digital offering
• Champion the understanding and adoption of AI, machine learning and data science techniques across project teams and client engagements, identifying where these can drive efficiency, insight or innovation
• Identify automation and digital innovation opportunities within project delivery, working with teams to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) with scaling potential
• Manage and support regional delivery teams in adopting the latest digital solutions, identifying upskilling needs and ensuring resources are appropriately allocated to projects
• Lead and contribute to bid responses including RfPs, ITTs and tenders, supporting bid strategy, content development and proposal management for digital-led opportunities
• Facilitate client workshops, stakeholder sessions and internal presentations — including regional townhalls — to align on strategy, share progress and demonstrate digital value

Skills

Digital delivery

Data governance

Power BI

Azure

Python

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Civil/Mechanical/CS/Data Science or related

Data-focused technology background

Tools

Power BI

Azure

Python scripting

Job description

AECOM is seeking a Digital Optimisation Lead to drive digital delivery and advisory across England & Wales, aligning with the Water business line. The role sits at the crossroad of hands-on digital work and client-facing consultancy, shaping strategy and delivering measurable outcomes.

The successful candidate will lead multiple programmes, champion AI, data science and data governance, and collaborate with regional teams to identify opportunities and bid on digital-led projects, with hybrid